What are the best headphones for swimming?

We often notice runners with headphones in their ears, eating up the miles almost effortlessly in their quest towards health and fitness – or the next marathon. These days, swimmers have the same type of luxury. You often see swimmers with earphones in their ears, swimming away the miles in preparation for that next race. But what are the best headphones for swimming? What are the options?

Depending on what type of swimming you do, as well as your specific needs, wants, or like-to-haves, the best headphone for swimming may depend on your exact specifications.

We have checked out a number of waterproof headphones to make your life easier and to give you a head start when you go in search of the best headphone for swimming for your particular needs. Of course, nothing but the best is good enough to pair with the best waterproof mp3 player for swimming.

According to our opinion, the following are the best waterproof headphones around at the moment. Have fun checking them out!

1. Underwater Audio HydroActive Short-Cord Waterproof Headphones

Belonging to a new generation of waterproof headphones, this headphone sports a simple wrap-around band and 3.5 mm headphone jack. It is great for not only swimming laps, but for other sports such as canoeing, kayaking, aqua-aerobics, and just about any other aquatic activity as well.

2. Swimbuds 100% Waterproof Headphones

The short cord headphones from Swimbuds are easy to use, give a great sound, and fit comfortably. The cord, being extra short, makes tight flip turns and the most rigorous aquatic workout easy and safe, with few interruptions.

Pros

Less drag in water due to the short cord

100% waterproof due to a tight seal

The gold plated stereo jack prevents corrosion

A waterproof audio extension cord is included for those times you need a longer fit

Includes 4 earbud tip options, one of which is perfect for when a tight seal is not needed

Earbud lubricant is included with purchase

Great audio quality

Cons

Not safe for use at depths exceeding 3.05 meters

Need a waterproof device when used in water, as it does not have Bluetooth capabilities

3. SENSO Bluetooth Headphones

If you like high-definition sound, a long battery life, and enjoy stereo sound without the hassle of a connecting cord or a connection to a waterproof device, these Bluetooth headphones might just be the answer you were looking for!

Pros

Wireless earphones that are waterproof while providing HD stereo sound

Earbuds are sweat-proof, making them versatile for use in and out of water

Device has an eight-hour battery life due to an improved lithium polymer battery

You can connect to all Bluetooth devices up to 30 feet away

Noise suppression technology allows you to listen to music and answer calls easily and effectively

A comfortable fit is guaranteed by the ergonomic design of the flexible ear hooks and gel flex silicone earbuds that allow your headphones to stay firmly in place

Charging time is a maximum of 2 hours

Cons

The product is not for use more than three meters below the water surface

4. Waterfi SwimActive Waterproof Headphones

A product with a great fit and wonderful noise isolation, this product lets you listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks while swimming. Because of the great clarity of this product, you can turn the volume down and still get great audio.

Pros

The product is waterproof for up to 10 feet

Can be used with waterproof iPod and MP3 players

The cord plugs into a standard headphone jack

The product comes with 4 sizes of soft silicone tips, ensuring you get the most comfortable seal

The headphones have an ergonomic design that comfortably fits in the ear while shaped to move through water effortlessly

A secure fit is ensured by the use of memory wire

Cons

While a swim cap can be worn while using this product, you need to wrap the wire around the ear carefully

Wires are very sensitive and cut off the music if not handled with care

5. Alpatronix HX250 Waterproof Bluetooth Headset

Alpatronix uses the latest Bluetooth technology to give users a fast pairing and transmission. The earbuds each have a premium quality audio driver that delivers great sound quality, no matter the frequency.

Pros

Sports playback control allowing you to play/pause, skip tracks, increase or decrease volume, and answer or hang up a call

You can communicate through the headset due to a built-in microphone

Device pairs within seconds due to the latest Bluetooth technology

Can store audio files due to built-in memory

Has a maximum playback time of 8 hours

Bluetooth playback time of between four to five hours

Takes an hour or two to charge

Cons

Music files need to be in MP3 format in order to play

Can only listen to downloaded files while swimming as Bluetooth does not work through water

6. morePro Waterproof Bluetooth Earbuds

Sleek, smooth, light-weight, and sensitive to touch when it comes to power on or off, the functional design of the morePro certainly catches the eye. Great sound is guaranteed by the high-quality chip for stereo and bass sound, while the clear high and low volume and passive noise isolating property make for a riveting experience.

7. H2O Audio 100% Waterproof Headphones

The H2O Audio uses the highest quality internal sound components to produce the best underwater sound possible. Said to be 100% waterproof, they can withstand heavy rain, perspiration, and submersion in up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) of water (and has an IPX8 rating).

Pros

An ergonomic shape that sits flush with the ear

Designed to promote correct ear canal alignment for a comfortable fit

Includes five sets of earbuds, ensuring you get the perfect fit for any activity

8. LEOPHILE EEL Wireless Neckband Headphones

A secure fit for sports combined with its waterproof and sweat-proof properties makes this a great option for any activity that involves high-velocity water. Compact and flexible, it is extremely bendable and can fit into just about any place.

Pros

The wire clip design of the neckband makes it ideal for most extreme actions without the worry of your earbuds falling out

They are of a lightweight design, tight-fitting, and cause no irritations

The soft silicone of the neckband allows it to fit different neck sized and conform to your body

The long-lasting battery allows for 10 hours worth of music

The battery fully charges in approximately two hours

It operates with Bluetooth version 4.1

It comes with three different sized earbuds

Cons

Submerging this product (in up to three feet of water) is only recommended for 30 minutes, cutting back on your swimming time

Bluetooth connectivity is not guaranteed when the product is submerged

9. Edelin Bluetooth Headphones

A perfect option for an active lifestyle, these headphones are great when it comes to sweaty activities. They fit comfortably and securely, and can simultaneously be connected to two supporting gadgets – and work well for a distance of up to 30 feet.

Pros

The latest Bluetooth technology allows this gadget connectivity to two different devices simultaneously

As it is cordless, it is a great option for those with an active lifestyle (without sweat making any difference to its function or sound quality)

Has a long battery life that provides up to eight hours of music, or 240 hours standby time

Device charges in only an astounding 1.5 hours

Ear-hooks are flexible, allowing them to stay put while working out – comfortably

10. OtiumBluetooth Headphones

A great option for working out, whether running, biking, gyming, or even splashing around is your pleasure! The Otium’s neckband design has no dangling wires, while it is easy to store in your sports armband or arm package bag. The produce provides super stereo and bass sound with clear high and low volume. It also has a built-in microphone with voice notification for incoming calls.

Pros

This Bluetooth V4.1 +EDR for stereo and bass sound incorporates the latest in technology

You have 8 hours music playing and 240 hours standby capability

The battery status is automatically displayed on the IOS phone screen

You have skip/play/pause functions on music tracks as well as the ability to access your phone

Background noise is filtered out due to CVC6.0 noise cancellation technology

You get to choose between small, medium, and large earbuds, ensuring a secure fit

Comes with a high-quality carrying case that protects your headphones

Cons

This product is not suitable for the dedicated water sports enthusiast or swimmer

Water resistant headphones are great if you intend to get a little wet due to sweating or possibly splashing about in the pool a little. For ‘real’ swimming, however, look for a brand that definitely states the product is ‘waterproof’ and intended for swimmers.

Do they fit well?

Comfort is of the utmost importance, especially if you are going to be swimming for a while. The fit needs to be snug, yet watertight, to allow you the best sound quality possible.

Do you want or need controls?

Many of the best waterproof headphones give you the ability to adjust the sound directly on the headphone while it is in use. Many have no such controls that allow you to do so. This is your preference

Do you want wireless or wired?

Whereas wired waterproof headphones work off an iPod or other waterproof devices when swimming, the wireless version has no such wires but has a limited battery life. If going with wireless, make sure the battery life meets your sporting needs.

What is the Bluetooth range?

If going with the wireless option, make sure of the Bluetooth range. The further the range, the better (usually).

Is it compatible with your music device?

Not all waterproof headphones are compatible with most popular devices. Do make sure before purchase that is compatible with your device, or you may find yourself having to either purchase another one that is.

Advantages of a waterproof headphone for swimming

Besides the obvious advantage of being able to listen to your favorite music while practicing you laps, these headphones allow you to take part in a variety of watersports, as well as land sports, e.g. running or cycling – or even listening to music while taking a shower, not to mention answer a call! They are versatile and not only limited to what many might believe their intended use. They can be used in almost any sport where sweating is not an option.

Is it dangerous to swim with waterproof earbuds?

It is safe if you take a few precautions and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It is important that you wear an earbud that fits your ear perfectly, allowing a tight seal. This prevents water from entering your ear and possibly your earbud, damaging your device.

Conclusion

Out of the different earbuds reviewed, one stood out for us. This is the SENSO Bluetooth Headphones, which, we feel is the best headphones for swimming. Its 30 meter Bluetooth connectivity and the fact that it has no bothersome wires, plus its sleek style and great sound, firmly puts this in the number one spot. It gives a hassle-free swimming experience to a depth of around three meters. Who could ask for anything more?